In 2026, St Magnus International Festival celebrates its 50th. To mark the occasion, we are holding a Composition Competition to find a new work to be included in the Festival programme. The winning piece will be premiered by the Hebrides Ensemble during their Festival residency. The theme of this year’s Festival is AIR – the air we breathe, the wind, and the oxygen of life.
Composers are invited to submit a newly written work of approximately five minutes for clarinet, violin, cello, and piano (full quartet). The work must not have been performed previously, and copyright remains with the composer. Submissions should include a PDF score, a short programme note, and the composer’s contact details and biography. A sound file may also be provided, though this is optional.
The competition is open to all ages. Submissions must be sent by 5pm on 24 April 2026, with the winner announced the week of 4 May 2026. The jury includes Festival Director and Composer Alasdair Nicolson and Will Conway, Artistic Director and Cellist of the Hebrides Ensemble.
Please see competition details below.
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